QUEENS, N.Y. - St. John’s mascot Johnny Thunderbird decided not to fly today. Instead, he successfully rappelled down from a 470 ft. skyscraper for Over The Edge NYC, a star-studded event that raised more than $250,000 for the American Cancer Society.

With the Manhattan skyline as the backdrop and light rain coming down, the mascot for New York’s Team -- and the Official College Team of Madison Square Garden -- showcased his bravery and dedication to helping fight cancer by rappelling down the side of the Harborside Financial Plaza building in Jersey City, N.J.

“It was an honor and a privilege to rappel in support of the American Cancer Society’s continuing battle against this terrible disease,” said Johnny. “Even though safety regulations wouldn’t allow me to fly, I still feel like I added some thunder to such an awesome event.”

Johnny isn't the first member of the Red Storm that has helped in the fight against cancer. Head men's basketball coach Steve Lavin successfully underwent prostate cancer surgery on Oct. 6, 2011 and has been an advocate for nearly 20 years for finding a cure for the disease that has affected so many.

For two decades, Lavin has been highly involved with both Coaches vs. Cancer, a foundation that Lavin has raised more than $1.3 million for since 2010, and The V Foundation for Cancer Research, where he has participated in numerous fundraising and awareness events. He led more than 400 fans and the Red Storm men's and women's basketball teams in raising $21,000 for pediatric cancer research at St. John's University Service Day "Dribble For The Cure" event last September. The event returned for a second year on Sept. 22 where Lavin once again led the St. John's community in raising more than $25,000 for pediatric cancer research in the New York City area.

To keep track of what Johnny’s up to and for everything St. John’s Athletics, follow the handle @StJohnsRedStorm on Twitter.